Hearing Screening

Newborn Hearing Screening Services

Hearing Loss and the Newborn Hearing ScreeningHearing loss is one of the most common birth defects in America. Newborn hearing screening has become the standard of care in the United States. Most states, including Florida, have legislation requiring hospitals to make these screenings available to all newborns. Kidz Medical Services started the First Sounds Newborn Hearing Screening Program in 1999, before it became mandated by the State of Florida. Kidz Medical Services has always taken the initiative to provide the best and most advanced neonatal and newborn services.

Does my baby need a hearing screening?

Babies can't tell us if they are not hearing well. Prior to the introduction of newborn hearing screening programs in Florida, the average age of identification of hearing loss was 14 months or greater. Since the initiation of newborn hearing screening, the average age of confirmation of hearing loss has decreased to 2-3 months of age. Because the most critical time for stimulating the hearing and language centers of the brain is during the first few months of life, it is essential to identify hearing loss early. Delayed detection of hearing loss can negatively impact speech and language development, academic achievement and social-emotional development. Even children with mild hearing loss or hearing loss in one ear will benefit from early detection and intervention. Studies have shown that children with hearing loss who receive intervention services before six months of age are more likely to demonstrate better communication, academic and social outcomes.

Hearing Screening Information

Who performs the newborn hearing screening?First Sounds hearing screenings are performed by carefully trained personnel under the supervision of a licensed and certified Audiologist, using two different technologies to screen for hearing loss. Most babies will have their hearing screened using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), in which soft sounds are introduced into the ear using a small probe in the ear canal. The computerized equipment measures an "echo" that the ear makes in response to these sounds. Some babies, including babies who are in the NICU, babies with a family history of hearing loss and babies with other risk factors, will also have their hearing screened with Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). With an ABR screening, a soft sound is presented to the ear and electrodes measure responses to the sound. Both procedures are painless and are performed while the baby is resting or asleep.

When is the newborn hearing screening performed?The hearing screening is done while your baby rests. It takes about 15 minutes and is non invasive.

What if my baby does not pass the newborn hearing screening?Babies who do not pass the hearing screening on the first attempt, will have a repeat screening the following day. If the baby does not pass the second screening, a referral is made to a licensed Pediatric Audiologist, a hearing specialist who is trained in the evaluation of hearing in infants and children, 1-3 weeks after discharge. The hearing screening technician will make every attempt to make this appointment for you, before you leave the hospital.

My baby passed, are there other concerns?Even if your baby passes the newborn hearing screening at birth, it is important to monitor your baby's hearing and language development as he/she grows, as hearing can change at any time (See Milestones). First Sounds recommends that every baby have their hearing evaluated by a licensed Pediatric Audiologist at one year of age (at six months of age if the baby was in NICU, has a family history of hearing loss or other identified risk factor). The milestones included here will help you monitor your baby's hearing and language development. If you are concerned that your child is not developing as expected, discuss this with your pediatrician and have your baby's hearing evaluated immediately.

Social-emotional developmentThe developmental tasks involved in the social and emotional development of children and teenagers which continues into adulthood.

AudiologistAn audiologist is a licensed health care professional specializing in identifying, diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the auditory and vestibular system portions of the ear. Audiologists are trained to diagnose, manage and/or treat hearing or balance problems.

NICU or Neonatal Intensive Care UnitIs a unit of a hospital specializing in the care of ill or premature newborn infants.

Non invasiveA medical procedure is strictly defined as non-invasive when no break in the skin is created and there is no contact with the internal body cavity beyond a natural body orifice.

Pediatric AudiologistA licensed health care professional specializing in the evaluation of hearing in infants and children. Also see Audiologist

Most, but not all, health insurance plans and Medicaid cover the initial hearing screening. The cost of the hearing screening is billed to your insurance company by Kidz Medical Services, Inc (dba First Sounds/Critical Care Newborn Services). To ensure proper payment authorization from your health insurance plan, two important steps must be done:

Call your health insurance plan and add your baby before 30 days of age.If your baby is to be covered on a health plan other than the mother's, provide this information to the hearing screeningtechnician prior to the hospital's admitting department.For further information or any type of inquiries, please visit our Billing and Insurance page.